The Industrial IoT (IIoT) represents the application of the Internet of Things (IoT) in the industrial domain. Researcher Kevin Ashton has defined IoT as the set of technologies that enable the control, monitoring, and transfer of information by connecting devices to the Internet.
The IIoT is a verticalization of the IoT, focused on the industrial ecosystem and enabled by technologies such as cybersecurity, cloud computing, edge computing, big data analytics, artificial intelligence and machine learning.
According to a report by Industry ARC, the Industrial IoT market will exceed $771 billion by 2026, with an estimated compound annual growth rate of 24.3 percent. Real-time data enables better management of the production process and a clear view of business performance.
An IIoT system consists of four levels:
Device layer: hardware, machines and physical sensors.
Network layer: communication protocols, cloud computing and WiFi networks for data transfer.
Service layer: applications and software for analyzing and transforming data into viewable information.
Content layer: user interface devices.
IIoT enables the monitoring and predictive maintenance of strategic infrastructure, using AI and machine learning to predict risks and suggest preventive measures. For example, in the infrastructure sector, IoT sensors and predictive algorithms enable continuous monitoring of tunnels, bridges, buildings and sewer systems, reducing energy and maintenance costs.
Cybersecurity is a challenge for IoT devices, as current measures are inferior to traditional systems. In addition, the lack of standardization in industrial communication protocols complicates the interconnection between machines with varied hardware.
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The IoT has given rise to a concept known as 'Industry 4.0', in which industrial production is made more efficient and intelligent through the connection of devices and the collection of real-time data.
Some examples of the application of IoT in the manufacturing industry include:
Through the IoT, machines and production facilities can communicate with each other and with management systems, enabling the automation of production processes. Sensors collect data on production, quality and resource utilisation, providing information to optimise operations and reduce waste.
The IoT has a significant impact on industrial automation, enabling more efficient production, predictive maintenance and improved safety. The integration of connected devices and artificial intelligence systems makes it possible to optimise production processes, reduce downtime and improve product quality.
The integration of the IoT into supply chain management provides greater traceability and visibility into the movement of materials and products throughout the supply chain. IoT devices, such as RFID (Radio-Frequency Identification) tags, enable the automatic tracking and recording of the passage of products, providing real-time information on their location and status. This simplifies inventory management, reduces errors and optimises logistics processes.
In conclusion, the Internet of Things (IoT) has had a significant impact on the manufacturing industry, giving rise to the concept of 'Industry 4.0'. The adoption of IoT has made it possible to connect devices and collect data in real time, leading to more efficient and intelligent industrial production.
Automation and process monitoring have improved through communication between machines and management systems, enabling optimisation of operations and reduction of waste. In addition, IoT has enabled the implementation of predictivemaintenance, allowing companies to predict and prevent machine breakdowns and downtime.
Finally, the integration of IoT into supply chain management has improved the traceability and visibility of products throughout the supply chain, optimising logistics processes and reducing errors.
The IoT has opened up new opportunities for the manufacturing industry, enabling greater operational efficiency and better resource management. It is clear that the IoT will continue to play a key role in the evolution of Industry 4.0 and the innovation of the manufacturing sector.
The adoption of the IoT represents both a challenge and an opportunity for companies, which will have to be prepared to exploit its full potential to remain competitive in the global marketplace.
